May 2008

Published on May 30, 2008

Just Released…

Impact Analysis of Changes to the Federal Methodology for Shortage Designation on New York’s HPSAs and MUAs/Ps

The Department of Health and Human Services, Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) proposed new rules in the February 29, 2008 Federal Register for the designation of primary care Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs) and Medically Underserved Areas and Populations (MUAs/Ps). To better understand the impact of the proposed changes, the Center conducted an impact analysis on currently designated primary care HPSAs and MUAs/Ps in New York and this report summarizes key findings. The analysis revealed differential effects, i.e., while some regions of the state were able to maintain most of their designations under the proposed new rules, a few regions did not fare as well. Further, without a clear understanding of the allocation of resources by state and federal programs that use these designations, it is not possible to fully understand the implications of changing the methodologies for designation. Download the report.

Hospital Nursing Workforce in New York

This report presents findings from a survey of registered nurses working in hospitals primarily located in the greater New York City metropolitan area. The survey was conducted by the Center and was designed to help key stakeholders better understand the state’s hospital nursing workforce. The report provides insights into the demographic characteristics of hospital RNs, as well as educational background, job satisfaction, and future plans. The study found that nearly one in five New York hospital RNs was trained overseas; much higher than the 3.7% nationwide average. In addition, racial and ethnic differences in salary were found that were not accounted for by years worked as an RN. Download the report.

Trends in Demand for New Physicians, 2001-2007

The Center conducts an annual survey of all physicians completing residency training or fellowship programs in New York. Based on analysis of these data, the Center’s report profiles trends in demand for new physicians in 35 specialties from 2001-2007. Each specialty profile summarizes trends in five key indicators of physician demand: starting income, job offers, changing plans due to limited practice opportunities, relative demand, and numbers of graduates. The study found that the job market for new physicians was strong and, unlike previous years, demand indicators for many of the primary care physicians (generalists) in 2007 was comparable to demand for non-primary care physicians (specialists). Download the report.

The federal Bureau of Labor Statistics biennially publishes occupational and industry employment projections for the coming decade. Projections by sector and by occupation for the period 2006 through 2016 were released in November 2007. The Center analyzed these projections and summarized the most significant findings related to health care employment. Health care continues to be the fastest growing employment sector in the country, with jobs in home care and physician offices projected to grow the fastest. Many new jobs will be available for RNs and nursing aides. Demand for physicians, pharmacists, and dentists are also expected to grow. Download the report.

Works in Progress…

Study of Physician Supply and Access to Health Care in the Adirondacks

The Center partnered with the Adirondack Rural Health Network (ARHN) in a collaborative effort to better understand the effect of physician supply on health status outcomes. The ARHN conducted a community assessment that included a sample survey of individuals who reside in their six-county region. The survey asked about health status, use of preventive services, and access to primary health care. Survey results will be analyzed with data on active physicians practicing within established commuting distance from the survey respondents. The goal of the research study is to better understand the relationship between physician supply and variables such as health status, use of health services, and commuting patterns.

2008 New York Resident Exit Survey

The 2008 Resident Exit Survey is underway. This annual survey began in 1998 and represents a collaborative effort with teaching hospitals across the state to collect vital information on new physicians. The survey inquires about residents’ demographic characteristics, practice plans, experiences in searching for a job, and impressions of the physician job market. The report of findings from the 2008 survey is expected to be released in the fall. For more information, contact David Armstrong at (518) 402-0255 or dpa02@health.state.ny.us.

A Profile of New York’s Underrepresented Minority Physicians, 2008

A profile of the state’s physicians from racial and ethnic groups considered underrepresented in medicine is currently under development and will update a similar profile released in 2006. This report will describe the demographic and practice characteristics of underrepresented minority physicians and highlight the important contributions they make that improve the quality of care for underserved residents of New York.

Other News…

The Center provided editorial support for the forthcoming book, National Health Workforce: The Growth of Challenging Trends, which comprises selected papers, including one by the Center, that were presented at the Lisbon Health Workforce Research Symposium, October 2007, sponsored by the World Health Organization. The book will be released this summer.

Tell us what you think…

We’d like to hear from you. Please give us feedback on our website or on any of the reports or information we have posted to it. E-mail us at chws@health.state.ny.us.